The ABV was originally prototyped as far back as 2002, before being finalized in 2008. Built from the decommissioned hull of an M1 Abrams tank, the vehicle’s design is rather genius in its simplicity. By swapping out the usual turret on the tank for a set of spider-like protrusions — collectively named the “Full-Width Mine Plow” — the vehicle could bulldoze through a battlefield, digging up the ground as it went.
As the dirt gets shoved aside, any mines buried within get pushed away from the ABV’s line, ensuring safe passage to any soldiers and vehicles that follow it. In the event that any of the mines detonate, the ABV’s explosive reactive armor paneling would absorb the brunt of the explosion, keeping the pilot safe.
In addition to the mine plow, the ABV featured several swappable attachments. If the pilot wanted to clear out a long swath of field in a hurry, a Line Charge Launcher could be attached on the rear of the vehicle, firing a line of tightly-packed explosives to detonate any potential mines in a straight line.
A more traditional Dozer Blade could also be swapped in for the mine plow, allowing the ABV to dig trenches and gun emplacements, shove enemy barricades, and remove anti-tank ditches.